With nesting season now underway, state wildlife officials are encouraging homeowners, landowners, and property managers to take steps now to prevent conflicts with Canada geese before they become bigger problems later in the year.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is reminding residents across Northwest Georgia to leave wildlife where they are found, especially during the spring season when young animals are more visible.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is encouraging anglers to make the Georgia Fishing Forecasts their go-to source before visiting a lake or river. Wildlife Resources Division fisheries biologists and technicians update the forecasts each year for more than 30 reservoirs and 19 rivers across the state.
Officials say the forecasts offer anglers practical information including the best lures, technique tips, suggested fishing locations, and access to an interactive map for each water body. State fisheries leaders say checking the forecast for a specific lake or river can give anglers a better chance at a successful day on the water.
The forecasts cover popular Georgia lakes including Lanier, Allatoona, Hartwell, Oconee, Seminole, Sinclair, West Point, and many more. River forecasts are also available for major waterways including the Chattahoochee, Flint, Savannah, Altamaha, Ocmulgee, Oconee, and Satilla rivers.
Georgia DNR also reminds anglers that fishing license purchases help support fisheries research, hatchery operations, public fishing areas, and conservation work across the state.
As spring green-up continues across Georgia, state wildlife officials are reminding residents that black bears are becoming more active and visible in search of food.
Forest landowners across Northwest Georgia will have a chance to gain practical, hands-on advice for managing and improving their property during a free field day set for Tuesday, April 7, in Summerville.
Georgia’s 2026 spring turkey season opens today on private land, with public land hunting set to begin April 4. The season will run statewide through May 15.
A special youth and mobility-impaired hunt was held March 21 and 22 to kick off the season.
Hunters are allowed a total of two legal gobblers for the season, with a limit of one gobbler per day. Legal hunting hours run from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Wildlife officials remind hunters that everyone— including those under 16, landowners, and lifetime license holders — must have a free Georgia turkey harvest record. All harvested birds must also be reported through Georgia Game Check within 24 hours.
Hunters age 16 and older are required to have a valid hunting license and big game license. Those hunting on Wildlife Management Areas must also have a WMA license.
State wildlife officials say this year’s season could be a strong one, with indications of an increased number of 2-year-old birds across Georgia.
Georgians now have a new way to support the state’s parks and historic landmarks by purchasing a specialty license plate for vehicles or trailers. The new tag is available through the state’s online e-services portal at renewal time for $80 the first year and $55 each year after that, while those who want the plate before renewal can visit their local county tag office and pay the difference in fees.
Money raised from the new specialty tag will directly benefit the State Parks and Historic Sites Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Those funds will help protect, manage, and maintain Georgia’s natural, historical, and cultural resources while also supporting public enjoyment, recreation, and educational opportunities across the state.
State officials say the new plate gives residents a simple way to show pride in Georgia’s outdoor and historic treasures while helping preserve them for future generations. More information is available through the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Georgia hunters are preparing for the start of spring turkey season, with the statewide opener on private land set for Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Trout stocking trucks are getting ready to roll across North Georgia as state and federal wildlife officials prepare for another busy spring fishing season.
Youth and mobility-impaired hunters in Georgia will get an early start to turkey season during a special hunt set for March 21-22, 2026, on private lands. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division says the opportunity allows eligible hunters to harvest a gobbler before the statewide season officially opens.